Tropical cyclone

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Icon of Tropical Tropical cyclone

A tropical cyclone may pose a wide range of threats to Hong Kong.  Apart from serious flooding or backflow of seawater in low-lying areas due to storm surge, a tropical cyclone may damage buildings, blow away loose objects, causing them to fall from height, and also interrupt electricity supply.  The Hong Kong Observatory will issue tropical cyclone warning signals to remind the public to stay alert to weather conditions and take precautionary measures.

 

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals in Hong Kong

Photo of Tropical cyclone warning signals in Hong Kong

 

Tropical cyclone warning signals

Meaning of signals
No. 1 Standby The tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 kilometres (km) of Hong Kong and may affect the territory
No. 3 Strong Wind Sustained wind speed of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour (km/h)
Gusts may exceed 110 km/h
No. 8 Gale or Storm Sustained wind speed of 63 to 117 km/h
Gusts may exceed 180 km/h
No. 9 Increasing Gale or Storm Gale or storm force wind is increasing or expected to increase
No. 10 Hurricane Sustained wind speed reaching upwards from 118 km/h
Gusts may exceed 220 km/h
 

 

Emergency Information

Preparation

  • Pay attention to weather forecasts and get a grasp of the risks of the tropical cyclone affecting Hong Kong.
  • Check the tropical cyclone warning signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.

 

During a tropical cyclone

  • Stay tuned to the radio or TV broadcasts for the latest storm information as well as the Hong Kong Observatory's advice.
  • Take precautions against flooding.
  • Secure objects likely to be blown away or relocate them indoors.
  • Use adhesive tape to fix large window-panes in exposed positions.
  • Lock all windows and doors.  Stay away from exposed windows.
  • Evacuate to a safe place for temporary shelter if necessary.
  • Go indoors and take refuge in a safe place immediately if you are outdoors.
  • Move to higher grounds for temporary shelter if flooding occurs in your area.
  • Stay away from the shoreline and do not go to check out the waves. 
  • Do not engage in water sports.

 

If a window(s) at your home has/have been blown away:

  • Stay away from the broken window(s).
  • Take shelter in an unaffected area of your home.
  • Call 999 for assistance.
  • Do not use a wooden board/bookshelf to cover the broken window(s).

 

If informed that your car in the carpark is submerged in water:

  • Stay in a safe place and go to the carpark to follow up on the matter only when the tropical cyclone has passed.
  • Do not rush to the carpark to check if your car has been damaged or remove it from there.

 

   Do not go outdoors because of the following hazards:

  • Objects fallen from height may hit passers-by.
  • Fallen trees may block the roads and jeopardise road safety.
  • Serious flooding or backflow of seawater may occur in low-lying areas, posing hazard to drivers and pedestrians.

 

After a tropical cyclone

  • A tropical cyclone may bring flooding and trigger landslides.  Stay tuned to the latest weather updates and the Hong Kong Observatory's advice.
  • Do not wade in or drive through flood water.